Summer 2022 Workshops
Announcing Summer Puppetry Workshops!
Take a live online workshop from anywhere in the world, or join us for new, in-person workshops at the Fine Arts Building in downtown Chicago! These workshops offer a range of puppetry styles with expert instruction to create within a fun, communal format. Live work sessions, group sharing and personal feedback combine to make these some of the most enjoyable and productive workshop opportunities available. See below to select your course and register!
Please Note:
- Pricing listed below with each workshop
- Limited scholarships available upon request, BIPOC encouraged to apply. To request email info@chicagopuppetfest.org with a brief statement of interest/need
Guide to Levels
Level 1 – Introduction of a particular form, through its basic skills and elements. Ideal for all new to puppetry and those looking to refresh their foundational knowledge.
Level 2 – Offering applied foundational skills and techniques for a specific form. Ideal for those who have some experience working in the form.
Level 3 – Instruction of more advanced skills and techniques for emerging and experienced puppeteers.
Level 4 – Instruction supporting the use of puppetry to create or progress a short form work.
Level 5 – Ideal for artists who are expert in their respective artistic field. These offerings frequently have an application and selection process, are by invitation and are designed to take a work in development to the next level.
Special Six-Day Intensive with Yael Rasooly!
The Performer, the Object, and the Secret in Between
Intensive with Yael Rasooly
July 18-23, 2022
(36 contact hours over the course of 6 days)
Daily: 10am – 5pm CST (with an hour lunch break)
Cost: $600
Location: Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave, 4th Fl, Chicago, IL 60605
One-Week Online Workshops
Toy Theater I
with Roberto Rossi
Session 1: July 11-17, 2022
Toy Theater 1 (Level 1)
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat, and Sun:
7 – 9pm CST
Cost: $225
Toy Theater 1 (Level 1) is an introduction to the form and the basic skills concluding with a showing. Make your first toy theater stage using recyclable materials. Learn conceptual and design approaches in building an original work. Build basic jointed 2D puppets and moveable set pieces and discover the unique theatrical language of the Toy Theater.
Shadow Puppetry I
with Tom Lee
Session 1: July 18-24, 2022
Shadow Puppetry 1 (Level 1)
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat, and Sun:
7 – 9pm CST
Cost: $225
Shadow Puppetry 1 (Level 1) is an introduction to the form for the beginning puppeteer. Students will create a desktop shadow theater, build and create basic shadow figures and environments and devise their own short pieces with music or text. An overview of world shadow puppetry traditions is included as well as an introduction to light sources and fabrication. The course makes use of basic materials including home recyclables.
In-Person Workshop
Pop-Up Puppetry Protest
with Jerrell L. Henderson and Caitlin McLeod
July 12-28, 2022
(3 weeks, 6 sessions)
Tuesday and Thursdays: 6:30 – 8:30pm CST
Cost: $285
Location: Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave, 4th Fl, Chicago, IL 60605
Pop-Up Puppetry Protest (Level 1) is for creatives who remain aware of local/national/international news and seek to make reflective statements now. Borrowing from Chicago’s long histories of both performance-based art and political/social protests; this class seeks to harness personal creativity in puppet-based expression and combine it with low-budget, efficient public art/storytelling.
